18th Judicial District Court

General Information:

The Juvenile Department handles two types of cases: Juvenile Offenders and Child In Need of Care (CINC). The clerical office processes complaints for juvenile offenders aged 10 to 18, who would face criminal charges if they were adults.

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For CINC cases, it processes petitions for children under 18 who are abused, have uncontrollable behaviors due to handicaps, or are abandoned. Around 600 juvenile offender and 500 CINC cases are filed each year.

New complaints or petitions are filed by the district attorney, DCF, or private individuals. The clerical office processes these and sends notices for court hearings, which typically involve at least two hearings. After each hearing, the clerical office updates computer records and ensures paperwork is completed and filed. They also prepare pleadings for court hearings, process CINC journal entries, and mail copies to all parties.

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Four judges are assigned to the Juvenile Department and handle both offender and CINC cases. The clerical office has daily contact with juveniles, their parents, judges, attorneys, court services officers, victims, social workers, law enforcement officers, and others working with juveniles across the city and state.